Social Power!

Far from wanting to enter any political debates on the challenges that our society is curently facing, for which there are much better sources than I, I would like to take a moment to point out some facts that can help us realize the power of social and community that we enjoy today.

Call it Social Media, Web 2.0, or anything you prefer, the Internet and its endless array of tools allow us to be connected to each other and form part of a Social Network called Humanity. And within this social network, we are beginning to discover that we can achieve things that we never imagined before.

The “tipping point” has undoubtedly been the impact and success that Barack Obama and his team reached with their social media campaigns. A positive example of the power of the online masses, where the American people felt heard and vinculated to his message of hope and change.

A couple of weeks ago, and on a sadder note, it was the Iranian people who had to come together and try to face a harsh reality. And social media provoked a wave of support that has reached all continents.

More than a decade ago we could not imagine this, much less that we could have a say and be taken into account by our governments. These developments, coupled with thousands of others that we are living every day, are opening our eyes to the social power that we can generate when we get together online for a common cause.

At the risk of being branded as a dreamer (I hope so!), I bet we are slowly building a better world. A world where Social Media is a tool that not only keeps us informed, but one that also helps us in the decision making process and when rapid action is most needed.

I hope that along this path we continue to realize that after all, our governments are also made out of people, just like their cities and countries.

-Franklin